~ Gita Journey is a straightforward, modern, contemporary, basic explanation and commentary of the Bhagawat Gita, with Sanskrit to English word meanings. Each shloka (verse) is explained in detail. An introduction to the Bhagavad Gita along with study resources can also be found here. A summary of each chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is also included. It does not matter whether you are a student, a retiree, a professional, a mom, a dad or a housewife – no prior knowledge is needed.

Sanjaya’s final statement in the Gita can be viewed from three standpoints. Taken literally, we can see that Sanjaya wanted to very subtly inform Dhritraashtra that the Paandava army would be victorious, and that his sons, the Kauravas, would be annihilated. This was bound to happen because the world’s foremost warrior, Arjuna, and Shri Krishna, the lord of all yogas, were on the opposing side of the Kauravas. There was not even a tiny chance that the Kauravas would win the war. This was the conclusive answer to the first line of the Gita, where Dhritraashtra wanted to know what did the Kauravas and Paandavas do on the battlefield.

From the standpoint of our duty, we can interpret this shloka as follows. Regardless of how much time and effort we put into any action, we cannot be assured of success. We saw earlier that the success of any action depends on a multitude of factors, but it boils down to two things: self effort and Ishvara’s grace. If either aspect is missing, our actions will not be successful. Self effort or purushaartha alone cannot guarantee a result, neither can waiting for Ishvara’s grace or prasaada without any effort from the part of the individual.

From the absolute standpoint, liberation from bondage, realization of our true self is not possible purely through self effort. We need to perform our duty selflessly, in a spirit of service to Ishvara, without any other person or object as our goal. Selfless devoted service to Ishvara, combined with Ishvara’s grace, will result in progress and success in the spiritual journey. Without Ishvara’s grace, it is not possible.